Feature: Why Godsmack Will Conquer Rock in 2014

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Everybody laments the death of rock 'n' roll, but there's one band indisputably keeping it alive and kicking. That's Godsmack.

The multi-platinum Grammy Award-nominated Boston juggernaut will deliver its sixth full-length album later this year, and it's bound to be one of the most important hard rock events of 2014. With every album, Godsmack uphold the cornerstones of their signature style, while still evolving and progressing. The Oracle proved to be a metallic monster of massive proportions back in 2010. It gave the band their third #1 on the Billboard Top 200, a feat only also enjoyed by the likes of Metallica, Linkin Park, and Dave Matthews Band, and it churned out the gold-selling gut-punch anthem "Cryin' Like a Bitch"—in addition to the full-length going gold itself.

On The Oracle, there was no shortage of vitriol, yet at the same time, "What If?" exceeded the six-minute mark treading into darkly psychedelic territory as it spun a new spiral out. Meanwhile, "Good Day to Die" remains a thrash-y bruiser on par with their heaviest fare from Faceless and Awake. It saw them reach another creative milestone that appealed to fans of their now classic 1998 self-titled debut as well as 2006's experimental and expansive IV.

So, it's four years later, and the boys have had some time to regroup with singer Sully Erna unveiling his solo debut the thought-provoking and poetic Avalon and even starring in Army of the Damned. There's a recharged energy surrounding the band as they once again recorded back home and are capturing the essence of the city.

They're Boston's premier rock band and 21st century leaders, and they represent their city's spirit. Their sixth offering for Republic Records is undeniably an event for this year. Be prepared to see them rise to the top and conquer once more.

So what can we expect? Well, it'll undoubtedly be another badass, ballsy, and brilliant collection from the Boston outfit. There will be those huge and hypnotic anthems as well as those experimental passages. The anticipation is increasing and the world needs a new Godsmack album.

Also, get ready to see them destroy on the road as they resurrect rock music with heads held high and middle fingers up.